What Branch would be my best chances at getting an OCS slot?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 15 Nov 2020 23:20:55 -0500

I figured this might be a good place to get some advice regarding this topic. I am currently discharged from the National Guard RE1. I was a Combat Medic. In my civilian world I have both my bachelor's (Criminal Justice) and master's degree (Counter-Intelligence and Anti-Terrorism) in which I graduated top of my class. I am in good shape and will have no problem with any pt test, or physical. I am 28 years old, and I turn 29 in December. Due to unforeseen career changes due to COVID (My DHS position/academy is backed up 3 years) I wish to further serve my country in the Active Duty world, as well as getting experience. My overall goal in the military is to commission, and I was planning on pursuing this post academy back in the guard. So my question, out of all the branches, and difficulties getting a OCS slot which one would be my best chance? Honestly the job does not matter too much as long as I am serving my country, but anything combat related would be ideal.

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 15 at 2020 11:42 PM

GySgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 15 Nov 2020 23:42:40 -0500

From how you have described it, it sounds like you are qualified on paper. So do some research and find out which branch best serves your needs and where you may want to go in your future. All of them have their own pros and cons. You can definitely get something combat related in any of them. Some more than others. Personally I don't think you can go wrong with any of them. Really look into all of them and research combat jobs. Don't be afraid to talk the respective officer selection representatives. They are the current up to date subject matter experts.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 16 at 2020 3:05 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Nov 2020 03:05:39 -0500

Numbers wise, and given the timing of your age. Army would be the easiest by far.

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Nov 16 at 2020 4:57 AM

SPC Erich Guenther — Mon, 16 Nov 2020 04:57:07 -0500

Army OCS is your best bet because of your background and Army Officer slots are more numerous than Marines. Are you planning on doing this via DHS Military Leave program or are you planning to quit DHS entirely. If I were you I would try to keep your DHS job position and do this on Military Leave (you can always quit DHS later and drop out of their Military Leave program). It just provides more options for you when it come time to leave the Army, then having to search for a job all over again or if something happens and your not able to complete OCS. Best to have the open option. If your keeping the DHS job then the Military Intel Branch would go nice with it.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Nov 16 at 2020 7:37 AM

CPT Lawrence Cable — Mon, 16 Nov 2020 07:37:39 -0500

You are already Army and Army is by far the largest branch of the Military, so I would stay with what I know. The OCS program is competitive, but you look like you are competitive, but I've been out of that loop for a long time. If you really want to know the possibilities, go talk to a recruiter about enlisting with an OCS option. Be aware that sometimes recruiters will try to steer you away from that option and tell you that you can apply at your first unit, which is not a lie, but you don't need to take that route.
OCS is not fun. I still detest my TAC Officers. They are the test you need to survive to get a commission.
As far as commissioning branches, I served as both an Infantry Officer and an Engineer Officer and I don't regret either decisions. Infantry and Armor is where the Rubber Meets the Road and Engineers make sure there is a Road. I understand that Infantry is a competitive branch these days, which was not the case in 1985. I guess I should explain that OCS Officers get a wish list of Branches, but the choice depends on your class placement and needs of the Army.

Response by SSG Dave Mack made Nov 17 at 2020 9:05 AM

SSG Dave Mack — Tue, 17 Nov 2020 09:05:56 -0500

Have you looked at becoming a Special Agent? The IRS is pushing to hire more SA’s due to 50% of the IRS retiring soon. Best organization I’ve worked for. Once people come here they stay.

Response by CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 17 at 2020 9:38 AM

CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Nov 2020 09:38:26 -0500

Needs of the Army! It would really come down to your qualifications and what the Army “needs” at the time of your commissioning.

Response by LTC Dan McDonald made Nov 18 at 2020 9:25 AM

LTC Dan McDonald — Wed, 18 Nov 2020 09:25:20 -0500

I served on OCS board many years ago. As far as i know branch decisions are not a part of the acceptance process. You request a branch at some point during your OCS training. This was for active duty. Don.t know how guard or reserves work. Check with army recruiter about OCS enlistment option if it still exists.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 20 at 2020 8:37 AM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Nov 2020 08:37:33 -0500

Army has OCS boards every month (at least they did before COVID) and with your prior service you will be a strong candidate. Other branches usually only have boards maybe twice a year. Enlist with OCS option, branding you an 09S until you graduate OCS and get your branch. You should have no problem getting a combat related branch regardless of where you place on the OML during OCS. I went through OCS December 2019- March 2020.